Where to stay in Ubon Ratchathani
A guide to Ubon Ratchathani city, the Mekong at Khong Chiam and Pha Taem National Park. Where to stay and when to visit.
Ubon Ratchathani is a large province in Thailand’s far east, bordering Laos and Cambodia. Its capital is one of Isan’s main cities, known for its temples, its forest-monastery tradition and the Candle Festival in July.
Choosing where to stay
- Ubon city has business hotels, riverside restaurants on the Mun River and a lively night market. It is the natural base for the Candle Festival and for temples such as Wat Nong Bua and Wat Phra That Nong Bua.
- Khong Chiam, about 90 km east, sits where the Mun River meets the Mekong. It has riverside resorts and is close to Pha Taem National Park, known for prehistoric rock paintings and cliff-top views over the Mekong into Laos.
When to go
The cool season from November to February is the most comfortable. The Candle Festival, usually in July, is the year’s biggest event. The Mekong is at its lowest from about March to May, when rock formations such as Sam Phan Bok appear.
Getting there
Ubon Ratchathani Airport has flights from Bangkok. The city is also the terminus of the north-eastern railway line from Bangkok, and buses link it with other Isan cities.
Festivals and events
Ubon Candle FestivalGiant carved wax sculptures paraded through Ubon at the start of Buddhist Lent. When it is held and how to plan a visit.
